5 Sydney sites you may have seen in films

(CNN) — Sydney has been the site of many movie scenes before. Often, movie-goers didn't even realize they were looking at one of the world's premiere destinations.

So add this to your Aussie travel list: A retrospective tour of "Sydneywood's" big-budget makeovers:

1. Colonial State Bank: 'The Matrix'

What would Keanu do? Head to Martin Place in Sydney, of course.

Courtesy Warner Bros.

For fans on a "Matrix" pilgrimage, start at Martin Place. Keanu sees his woman in red at its fountain.

But it's half-way up the adjacent Colonial Building where all the action happens. Agent Smith holds Morpheus captive before the daring, diving rescue by Neo -- involving a Gatling Gun -- to grab Morpheus in mid-air while leaning out of a helicopter.

But be warned, suited bankers and businessman give the place a less adventurous vibe.

3. Bare Island: 'Mission Impossible 2'

The mysterious Bare Island, site of "Mission Impossible 2."

Courtesy Lenny K Photography/Creative Commons/Flickr

Unlike "Superman Returns" and "The Matrix" set in make-believe places, John Woo's "Mission Impossible 2" was both shot and set in Sydney, with the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Mrs Macquarie's chair all featuring.

5. Strickland House: 'Australia'

The movie "Australia" prompted a $1 million campaign by Tourism Western Australia to entice tourists to visit the country.

Handout/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images

Filming of Baz Luhrmann's epic "Australia" was split between Queensland, the Northern Territory and Sydney. Set on the foreshores of Sydney Harbour, Strickland House in Vaucluse featured as Darwin's colonial Government House.

Exterior shots of the ball sequence see Drover (Hugh Jackman) reluctantly don the white suit for Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) who mixes with the gentry.

True to stereotype, a kangaroo even hops cornily up the green lawn. You can approach the house via the Sydney Harbour National Park.